Cyclists gear up for Buzzards Bay Coalition Watershed Ride

Wednesday

Aug 9, 2017 at 5:01 PMAug 9, 2017 at 5:01 PM

In two months, hundreds of cyclists will experience the beauty and spirit of southeastern New England in autumn from the seats of their bicycles. Local cyclists can sign up to bike for clean water on Sunday, Oct. 1, at the 11th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride by visiting savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

In a news release, the Buzzards Bay Coalition described the ride as a "fun community event that supports a great cause: clean water in Buzzards Bay." More than 200 cyclists participate in the ride each year, pedaling across the region to raise funds to protect clean water.

Starting at Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, R.I., the route goes past coastal areas and farmland, working waterfronts, quaint villages and cranberry bogs. There are three start options — 100, 75 or 35 miles — that all finish together at a seaside celebration with beer, wine, and dinner in Woods Hole on Cape Cod. "With a food truck lunch stop, water and snack stations stocked with locally sourced goodies, and on-the-road repair technicians, all riders can feel safe and supported," the coalition said. New this year, riders will enjoy water views from atop New Bedford’s unique new CoveWalk section of The Blue Lane recreation path and an additional water stop at First Citizens' Federal Credit Union branch in Wareham.

"Riders are young and old, avid cyclists and casual bike riders — but they all want to take action to protect their local environment," the release stated.

They are people like Emma Keeler, a 16-year-old high school student from Rochester who is participating in her second ride this year along with her family and a team of friends from her school, Falmouth Academy.

“The type of people who take the time to bike in the ride are the best people to surround yourself with,” said Keeler. “The bay has given us so much, whether it be a place to swim, paddleboard or kayak — it even provides us with fish to catch. It’s important to give back.”

Riders pedal for clean water, raising more than $120,000 to support the coalition’s work to protect and restore Buzzards Bay. Each rider raises a minimum of $300, and prizes go to riders and teams who raise the highest totals. Many riders create teams to train, fundraise and enjoy a day of cycling together with friends and family.